What is World Oceans Day and Why is it Important?

June 8 might just be another Monday on the calendar for many, perhaps symbolizing the beginning of summer when people are eager to get outdoors and head to the nearest beach or pool. But it is also a day you may not be fully familiar with: World Oceans Day.


Started in 1992 from a Canadian proposal during the Earth Summit, World Oceans Day is devoted to celebrating our oceans, no matter where in the world we are located. The goal is for us to join together with our friends, families and community to protect and restore our "shared ocean." Here is everything to know about this international observance.





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World Oceans Day History

World Oceans Day started as just an idea but has come a long way since then. Here is a timeline of the events that have led to the current World Oceans Day. 

  • 2002 - Although it was just an idea back in 1992, it was officially coordinated by The Ocean Project 10 years later. 
  • 2003 - The WorldOceanDay.org website was launched to support event organizers around the world. Back then there were only 25 events across a total of 15 countries. 
  • 2008 - World Oceans Day (with an "s" added to the end of "Ocean") was officially recognized by the United Nations.
  • 2016 - The World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council was launched as a way to unite and connect youth around the world who shared the same passion for saving our oceans. 
  • 2019 - The number of participating countries grew to over 140 with over 2,000 events being held worldwide.
  • 2020 - The current goal for World Oceans Day is to launch a new website and to host over 3,000 events in over 150 countries. 



Importance of World Oceans Day

It's no secret that preserving our natural resources is important. But the urgency surrounding such matters is often ignored. Concerning our oceans, people tend to look at the vast amount of water on our planet and assume that any pollution or environmental issues related to our water supply won't affect them. As such, they leave it for the next generation to deal with. That generational lack of urgency is causing more damage every second. 


World Oceans Day is one day out of the year to focus only on our oceans and to call upon world leaders to commit to the protection of our oceans. Specifically, the goal of the movement is to protect 30% of our entire planet (not just the oceans) by 2030. This movement is sometimes referred to as 30x30 and can help ensure that our planet remains safe and healthy for all of its inhabitants, present and future.





What You Can Do

This year, the activists involved in World Oceans Day are asking people to sign a global petition called the 30x30 for Nature Petition. Besides getting governments to commit to the 30x30 movement, the petition also asks them to commit to protecting and preserving intact ecosystems and wilderness at Convention on Biodiversity COP15 summit this October. 


In addition to signing the petition, you can also find an event near you to help you take action and spread awareness. 


World Oceans Day isn't just about our oceans. To prevent the extinction of one million species, scientists say that we need to keep half of the planet in its natural state. The 30x30 movement can do that with commitment from world leaders and citizens. But we need to all come together with a sense of urgency to make it happen. How will you do your part on June 8th?